U.S. Economy Adds 209,000 Jobs In July; Unemployment Dips To 4.3 Percent : The Two-WayThe number of estimated jobs last month topped the expectations of most economists. Average hourly wages rose by 9 cents.

A sign advertising job openings hangs outside a restaurant in Middleton, Mass., last month. At 4.3 percent unemployment, the jobs rate is near the point that most economists deem full employment.
Elise Amendola/AP
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Elise Amendola/AP

A sign advertising job openings hangs outside a restaurant in Middleton, Mass., last month. At 4.3 percent unemployment, the jobs rate is near the point that most economists deem full employment.

Elise Amendola/AP

The U.S. economy created an estimated 209,000 jobs in July, representing a modest slowdown from the previous month but coming in better than many economists had expected. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its monthly report that, statistically, July showed little change from previous months, as the number of unemployed persons remained around 7 million.

At 4.3 percent, the jobs rate is near the point that most economists deem full employment. About 200,000 new jobs a month is considered a sign of a robust economy.

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The figures for June were revised upward, with the BLS saying that 231,000 jobs were created in the month instead of the originally reported 222,000.

However, the number for May was revised downward to 145,000 from 152,000.

It was the 82nd consecutive month of jobs growth. Job gains have averaged 184,000 per month so far this year, slightly lower than last year's pace, according to David Berson, chief economist at Nationwide Mutual.

Reacting to the news, President Trump in a tweet called the numbers "excellent."

"I have only just begun," he wrote.

Excellent Jobs Numbers just released - and I have only just begun. Many job stifling regulations continue to fall. Movement back to USA!